Night, August 1st: Last day of W:O:A 2015. My first, Volkan’s 4th experience. Completely drenched. Struggling against the elements took its toll. Legs weary, neck stiff, ears ringing and in a total “battery critically low” state. Rational thing would be head back home, never to come back. But already we were planning for 2016.

Late June: My visa arrives. Still waiting for the official VIP Press accreditation. Getting a little late and impatient for the plane tickets. Even during the holidays checking mail. Volkan visits for an overnight and we still can’t plan the travel. I’m planning on interviews for my amazingly awesome black metal blog winterwhenyoufreeze.wordpress.com. Even a tentative article on music tourism.

July 15th (day): We finally finalise the final plan and try to buy tickets, which get bit and bit more expensive each time the site gives an error. Finally buy two tickets to Berlin. Start planning transportation from Berlin to Hamburg. Postpone buying the return tickets.

July 15th (night): Military coup attempt! After the initial fear of personal and national security, the late fear sinks in. We might miss WOA 2016. Sad faces. But Volkan keeps his hopes up.

July 18th Monday: Total ban on international travel for civil servants until further notice. Fear intensifies. All administrative leaves cancelled & those on leave recalled. I start to come to terms with the grim reality. Volkan keeps his hopes up.

Late July: No change on the situation. Volkan refuses to give up hope.

July 29th: We apply for the refund of plane tickets. Airline requests certificate of being a civil servant. Volkan still has hope.

August 1st: One day before the intended flight. Airline refunds. Volkan is hanging on.

August 6th: Last day of W:O:A 2016. I am at a wedding. The bride & groom say “yes” as Triptykon is playing (Noooooo!!!). Volkan gives up.